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Arsonists target Nassau neighborhood; $11,000 reward offered

HILLIARD - A rash of arsons at a Hilliard apartment complex over the last few months has gone from affecting cars in the parking lot to structures.

In response, the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office, state Fire Marshal’s Office, First Coast Crime Stoppers and the Eastwood Oaks Apartment complex management have come together to offer an $11,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.

Ten vehicles have been burned beginning in February, as well as some stairwells and garages more recently. They’ve happened between 2 and 5 a.m. Sheriff Bill Leeper said there’s been no clear motive.

Residents continue to be nervous, especially as the fires have moved closer to endangering lives.

“If someone is injured, charges would be upgraded,” said Leeper, stressing at a news briefing the importance of people in the area being vigilant.

“I was everything, scared, mad all at once,” said Brittani Boyd, a resident at Eastwood Oaks on Cody Circle.

Her Dodge Intrepid was one of the vehicles affected. She was lucky as only the right side of the car was charred and burned compared to the total loss several of her neighbors faced.

Having her car damaged by the arson attempts was just part of a painful month that she has been through having buried a close friend the weekend before the damage to her car.

“It is bringing people together though,” said Grace Mason, her mother. She spoke of how the neighbors were beginning to watch out for each other trying to ensure that everyone and everything stays safe.

Anyone with information can call the Sheriff’s Office at (904) 225-5174 or First Coast Crime Stoppers at (866)-845-TIPS or fccrimestoppers.com